A deal has been struck to enhance the look of an abandoned location that once housed a club lost to flames.

The property on George Street in the historic quarter of Hastings, numbered 39–41, formerly accommodated Saturdays nightclub, which suffered fire damage in January 2023.

Hastings Borough Council has held talks with Oasis Developments Hastings regarding the condition of the premises amid local dissatisfaction with its current state.

The council has now confirmed that a defined schedule of enhancement works has been finalised. The majority of tasks addressing the primary visual concerns should be carried out within the next fortnight, with everything scheduled for completion by mid-July.

The programme encompasses:

Upgrading and stabilising the coverings on the open side elevations;

Clearing vandalism markings close to the entrance steps;

Reinforcing the perimeter barriers and screening;

Erecting more robust entrance gates fitted with information displays;

Rectifying the rooftop water drainage above the pavement;

Clearing the area by disposing of or securely containing materials.

A council compliance officer will inspect the location each week to track advancement. Should the promised enhancements fall behind the established timeline, the council has warned it will pursue additional formal compliance measures.

Councillor Julia Hilton, the council’s deputy leader and representative for the Old Town ward, expressed that residents, traders and visitors have voiced strong displeasure regarding this highly visible location, and the council echoes those feelings.

Council staff have been urging the developer to act, and a concrete set of enhancement works has now been arranged. Progress will be observed vigilantly and, should the planned works fail to materialise, the council stands prepared to escalate formal action.

Planning permission was filed in May 2023 for a four-floor structure containing 14 apartments, six short-stay accommodations and four retail spaces.

Council planning staff gave their backing to the proposal in December 2024, contingent upon finalising a legal arrangement with the developer.

Outline approval for the site’s redevelopment has been granted by the council, pending the conclusion of outstanding legal and technical procedures. Negotiations continue to conclude these details so the project can proceed, the council indicated.